Environmental Policy

2023 - 2025

Giving priority to sustainability and environmental protection has never been more important. This applies not only to various facets of daily life but also to the domains of culture and art. While the Reykjavik Arts Festival prioritizes the quality and impact of its artistic events, it still recognizes the consequences of its actions on the environment and is committed to acting responsibly.

At the Arts Festival, every effort is made to minimize the carbon footprint without compromising accessibility or inclusion. Pursuing sustainability is not only our duty but also presents opportunities for creativity and fostering a positive impact on society for the future.

Main Goals of the Reykjavik Arts Festival's Environmental Policy

1. Sustainable development and environmental protection serve as guiding principles for all festival activities, both large and small.

2. The festival's carbon footprint is minimized, with continuous efforts to improve in this area.

3. Waste is systematically and consistently reduced both in the office and during the festival, with reuse and recycling maximized wherever possible.

Programming

The carbon footprint of each event will be estimated beforehand, and this will be taken into consideration when selecting projects.
Awareness will be raised about environmental issues and climate change by highlighting artistic projects that address these complex subjects in a creative and engaging manner.

Reykjavik Arts Festival approaches programming responsibly, aligning with the festival's values of sustainability and respect for the environment.

Festival Production

Unnecessary transportation of materials to the country will be minimized.
When possible, materials for sets and technical equipment will be sourced locally, reducing the carbon footprint from cargo transport.
The number of artistic and technical personnel traveling from abroad will be minimized.
Domestic artistic and technical personnel will be utilized as possible without compromising the project's artistic quality.
Each event's carbon footprint will be calculated, and suitable countermeasures taken.
Visiting artists will be encouraged to extend their stay to further deepen the impact of their visit.
They will be invited to network with local artists, conduct workshops, and/or give presentations.
Festival audiences will be encouraged to use public transport.
Information on transport options to event locations will be clearly communicated on the festival website and in brochures.
The festival will ensure waste sorting facilities are available at all event locations.
Environmentally friendly catering will be provided for festival events and artists.
The festival will offer vegetarian food and/or dishes prepared from local ingredients.
All glasses and food packaging for visitors and artists at the festival is either reusable or recyclable.

Throughout the execution of the festival, efforts are made to minimize material usage, utilize available resources, and reduce the carbon footprint.

Marketing Material

Focus is on online promotion.
Printed materials are minimized without compromising accessibility.
Environmentally certified printing houses are used for all printed materials.
The most environmentally friendly options are selected for designing and manufacturing branded products and displays.
The festival avoids producing and printing more PR materials than is necessary.

Reykjavik Arts Festival emphasizes environmentally conscious design and production of promotional materials, avoiding excess production.

Daily Operations

Festival staff is introduced to the Environmental Policy upon hiring.
Staff is encouraged to use alternative transportation to private cars through special transport agreements and grants.
Waste in the office is sorted and recycled as much as possible.
Attempts are always made at repairing computers and other equipment before buying new.
Printing is minimized at the office.
Invoices are approved electronically.
Staff travel is limited to minimum, carbon accounting is kept and countermeasures implemented whenever possible.
Food containers in the festival office are all reusable.
All cleaning materials and hygiene products in the office are environmentally certified.
Suppliers are selected with environmental considerations in mind, always opting for the most environmentally friendly option.

Reykjavik Arts Festival demonstrates responsibility in energy consumption, transportation, material use, waste, and recycling throughout its general operations.

This policy is a living document which will be evaluated at least once a year. Actions will be added as appropriate.

Reykjavik Arts Festival's Environmental Policy 2023 - 2025 was approved at a board meeting on 28 Apríl 2023.